I love taking new trails. I like turning the corner and not knowing what I’m going to see. So I’m going to try NOT to show you ALL the cool stuff. I want you and your family to discover it for yourself.

There are many options for how to do this hike. It seemed like a long 2 miles to me – because we stopped a lot and it was quite hilly. Start the hike at the Hawk Totem (have the kids try to find this landmark when you arrive!). Follow the trail past the Double Red Delicious apple grove. There is a restroom here perfect for a stop and to fill up your water bottles at the drinking fountains. Make sure you meander through the California Tree Trail and read all the inspiring quotes engraved on the boulders. Next you’ll come to the Reflection Pond.

A beautiful spot! You’ll feel a surprise when you step on the dock. We stared in the water which appears black, but is actually incredibly clear. We saw bubbles and then all of the sudden . . . what should appear?

Just past the Reflection Pond, you’ll have an option to go to the Upper Pond. We didn’t make it there. We headed down into the Oak Grove instead. I’ll leave the rest up to your imagination and only say you can make this a short loop by taking the Boardwalk. It will lead you back to the Reflection Pond and you can double-back to the parking lot.

If you continue on through the Oak Grove and down the hill, there are many more sights and sounds to greet you. We:

saw a paper wasp nest,

followed the stream,

did the Limbo under a tree branch,

listened to the water,

felt the mist and heard the hush of the clouds blowing through the trees,

ARRIVE EARLY during apple picking season – this place gets busy as the day progresses. The earlier you arrive, the easier time you’ll have with parking.

If I were to go again, I’d plan to get to the parking lot between 8 and 8:30am during apple picking. The ranger told us it’s much quieter along the trails during the off-season — so you wouldn’t be so constrained about arriving early. The trail is only open on weekends.

Watch for weather. The Rancho is above 5000 feet and it can snow.

LOTS of hills and some steps if you do the full loop. Be prepared for uneven ground. Babies would do best in backpacks or baby slings. Jogger strollers would work for the short loop. Be prepared for a tight squeeze and some switchbacks on the longer loop and navigating some log stairs.

Three nice restrooms: 1) near the BBQ/Store and parking lot, 2) at the start of the Nature Trail before the California Tree Trail, and 3) at the end of the Nature Trail in Oak Knoll Park.

Bring a big picnic lunch to enjoy down in Oak Knoll Park at the end of your hike.

Comments

I did not know about this hiking trail . I did yard sale today aND someone gave me this beautiful art work someone painted it and on back it says Oak Glen Nature Trail 1981 by D.Chapman . I’m an artist myself. And thus girl found this painting on garbage still mostly intact and beautiful. 1 side edge is little.rough but over all looks good . I just wonder if D. CHAPMAN had visited there at that time and give this to him .

I have been coming to Oak Glen for the past few years,we stop at Riley’s farm followed by Los Rios Rancho.
This month we have been to Oak Glen two weekends in a row. Well, just found out about the concervancy trails and the history,well guess what we will be making our third trip to Oak Glen just to walk those trails.
Oh I love all the picture Opportunities and look foward to more .
Cvera

Hi Michelle,
Great summary of the Nature Trails at the Oak Glen Preserve! I’m glad to know you followed the trail in earnest and that you appreciate the world-class park ammenities. There is something else you may yet discover…

Not only does the Oak Glen Preserve share a parking lot with the popular Los Rios Rancho, but the entire property of Los Rios Rancho is owned by The Wildlands Conservancy.

The Oak Glen Preserve is one of 12 preserves in California that is stewarded by The Wildlands Conservancy; all preserves are available for families to enter and enjoy a hike, picnic, outdoor education program and much more – all at no charge!

So come on out and explore some of the other gems that The Wildlands Conservancy has to offer the families of California. I think you will be surprised.